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The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.S. in Defense and Strategic Studies
Fairfax, Virginia
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University is a 36-credit-hour program. It offers two main tracks: a "General" option for those interested in national security and defense as a whole, and a "Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)" option for students who wish to specialize in topics such as weapons control, missile defense, and nuclear deterrence. The program can be completed through a thesis option or a non-thesis option, which includes a comprehensive examination and a research paper. It is designed to cultivate critical thinking, strategic planning, and decision-making skills, preparing future leaders to address complex global security challenges.
Curriculum: The DSS curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of contemporary security issues, defense policy, and strategic theory. All students are required to take two core courses: Seminar on Nuclear Strategy and Arms Control and Seminar on International Security Affairs. Beyond these core requirements, students select a minimum of 30 additional seminar hours from a wide array of elective courses. These electives cover diverse topics such as The Geopolitics of Conflict and Accommodation, Science, Technology, and Defense Policy, International Terrorism and Security, Intelligence, Counterintelligence, and Covert Action, Grand Strategy, Cyber Conflict and International Security, and Ethics of Weapons of Mass Destruction. The WMD option requires electives specifically focusing on WMD topics. The curriculum emphasizes analytical skills, policy analysis, and a deep understanding of military history and international relations.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Defense and Strategic Studies program places a strong emphasis on research and analytical inquiry. Students choosing the thesis option engage in original research, culminating in a thesis on an approved subject, particularly a WMD-focused topic for that specialized track. The non-thesis option also requires a substantial research paper as part of a comprehensive examination. Faculty members are experts in the field, often with backgrounds as scholars, analysts, and policymakers, guiding students in investigating critical issues such as international conflict, deterrence, strategic theory, and specific regional security problems. This focus ensures graduates can critically analyze complex security challenges and contribute to policy-relevant discussions.
Industry Engagement: The DSS program at Missouri State University is highly geared towards preparing students for careers within the national security and defense community. Its location in the Washington, D.C. metro area provides unparalleled access to government agencies (e.g., Department of Defense, intelligence agencies), think tanks, and defense contractors. The program highlights that its faculty are "leaders and experts in the field" and that students will have "great exposure to the field" while in school. The curriculum is directly relevant to roles in government, intelligence, defense research and analysis companies, and non-profit organizations focused on national security. The program also emphasizes a strong alumni network in the D.C. area, which can facilitate employment opportunities and networking within the industry. Historically, many graduates secure jobs in the field prior to or shortly after graduation.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is central to the M.S. in Defense and Strategic Studies program. The curriculum inherently focuses on international policy and strategy, examining issues such as regional security problems, international terrorism, arms control, and the geopolitics of conflict. Courses like "Seminar on International Security Affairs," "NATO Security Issues," and "Chinese Military Power" directly address global dynamics. The program aims to equip students with the skills to analyze complex problems facing "our country and the world," preparing them to contribute to international relations, manage conflicts, and develop defense strategies on a global scale. The diverse student body, often including active-duty military and international students, further enriches the global dialogue within the program.
Location
Fairfax, Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 290 required.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
Graduates of Missouri State University's (MSU) Master of Science (M.S.) in Defense and Strategic Studies (DSS) program are exceptionally well-positioned for impactful careers within the national security, defense, and intelligence communities. The program's strategic location in the Washington D.C. metro area, coupled with a curriculum developed by leading experts and a strong emphasis on critical thinking and policy analysis, provides alumni with a distinct advantage in a highly competitive field. Graduates are prepared to analyze complex global security challenges, contribute to policy development, and lead in various public and private sector roles.
Intelligence Analyst/Officer: Graduates are highly sought after by intelligence agencies (e.g., CIA, DIA, NSA, FBI) to collect, analyze, and interpret information related to national security threats, foreign capabilities, and geopolitical developments. They contribute to intelligence briefings and assessments for policymakers.
Policy Analyst (Government/Think Tanks): These professionals work for government bodies (e.g., Department of Defense, Department of State, National Security Council) or prominent think tanks (e.g., CSIS, RAND Corporation) to research, analyze, and develop policy recommendations on defense, international relations, arms control, and security issues.
Strategic Planner: Graduates can work in government agencies, military branches, or defense contractors to develop long-term strategies and plans related to national defense, military operations, and responses to emerging global threats.
Defense Contractor Specialist (Business Development, Research, Analysis): Major defense contractors (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman) hire DSS graduates for roles in business development, research and analysis, program coordination, and project management, leveraging their understanding of defense systems and policy.
International Relations Specialist: In government (e.g., Department of State) or international organizations, graduates engage in diplomacy, arms control negotiations, conflict resolution, and the promotion of international security and cooperation.
Cybersecurity Analyst/Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst: With the increasing importance of cyber warfare, graduates with an understanding of strategic threats can specialize in cybersecurity roles, protecting critical infrastructure, analyzing cyber threats, and developing defensive strategies for government or private sector entities.
Military Analyst (for civilians): Civilians with a DSS degree can work as military analysts for intelligence organizations or defense research firms, providing assessments of foreign military capabilities, tactics, and effectiveness to support strategic decision-making.
Program Coordinator/Manager (Non-Profit/Government): Graduates can manage and coordinate programs related to national security, counter-terrorism, WMD non-proliferation, or international development for non-profit organizations or government agencies.
Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Analyst: These analysts combine their knowledge of defense and strategic issues with geospatial data and technology to provide critical intelligence insights for military and intelligence operations.
Educator/Researcher (Academia): While some roles may require further doctoral study, an M.S. in DSS can qualify graduates to teach at the community college level or serve as research associates/fellows at universities or specialized research institutions focusing on defense and security studies.
